Frame movement command devices for embroidery machine

ABSTRACT

In a frame movement command device for an embroidery machine, which device can control the movement of an embroidery frame based upon signals that are outputted from a frame drive means when a frame movement command switch is operated, the frame movement command switch includes a single operation portion that is operable to incline in a plurality of directions, and the frame drive means outputs signals in order to move the embroidery frame in directions that correspond to the inclined directions of the operation portion.  
     According to this construction, by inclining the single operation portion of the frame movement command switch in the plurality of directions, the embroidery frame can move in directions that correspond to the inclined directions. Therefore, the operator can accurately operate the switch in order to move the embroidery frame toward a desired position, which depends only on the feeling of his or her fingertips touching the operation portion without viewing the frame movement command switch. Therefore, the operator can move the embroidery frame in the intended direction while observing a point adjacent to the lower side of a sewing head.

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION BELONGS

[0001] This application relates to frame movement commanding devices inembroidery machines, which devices serve to control the movement of anembroidery frame by the operation of switches.

RELATED ART

[0002] Generally speaking, in embroidery machines (sewing machines),while a needle bar or similar part of a sewing head is not moving, themovement of an embroidery frame can be independently controlled byoperating a command switch that is provided in an operation panel box inorder to move the frame in a power turned-ON state. One of its objectsis to position the embroidery frame before an embroidery operation isstarted. Such a positioning operation may be performed when anembroidery starting point of a cloth or the like, which has been setonto the embroidery frame, must be accurately aligned with a needletraveling direction of the sewing head.

[0003]FIG. 10 shows a front view of an example of an operation panel box80 of a known embroidery machine. A frame movement command switch 82 isprovided on the operation panel box 80 and includes a total of eightarrow keys 84, which are respectively labeled with arrows, and a speedchange key 86 that is positioned in the center of the arrow keys 84. Byselectively pressing the arrow keys 84, the embroidery frame can becontrolled to move in any of the directions indicated by the arrowslabeled on the respective arrow keys 84. The speed change key 86 servesas a switch for changing the moving speed of the embroidery frame, andthis speed can be alternatively changed between “high speed” and “lowspeed” every time that the speed change key is pressed.

[0004] Therefore, when the speed is changed to “high speed” using thespeed change key 86 and any one of the arrow keys 84 is pressed, theembroidery frame may move at a high speed in the direction indicated bythe arrow. On the other hand, when the speed is changed to “low speed”,the embroidery frame may move at a slower speed.

[0005] During the positioning of the embroidery frame before theembroidery operation is started as described above, the operatorcontrols the movement of the embroidery frame by operating the framemovement command switch 82 while the operator closely observes theneedle traveling direction of the sewing head and the embroiderystarting point of the cloth or the like. However, this movement controlrequires a plurality of (eight) arrow keys 84 to be selectively pressed;therefore, it is possible that the arrow keys 84 may mistakenly bepressed while the operator is observing the area adjacent to and belowthe sewing head. As a result, it is difficult for the operator to movethe embroidery frame in the direction intended by the operator.

[0006] In addition, although the operator may prefer to operate theswitch with his or her face close to the front side of the sewing head,this may be hindered because the frame movement command switch 82 isprovided on the operation panel box 80.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to enablean operator to control the movement of an embroidery frame in thedirection intended by the operation of a frame movement control switch,even while the operator is observing areas adjacent to and below thesewing head.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to enablesimultaneously control of the moving direction and the moving speed ofthe embroidery frame, thereby improving operability.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to eliminate thehindrance in terms of location so as to enable movement control of theembroidery frame to be performed at any location during the positioningof the embroidery frame by the operation of the switch before theembroidery operation is started.

[0010] According to the invention of claim 1, in a frame movementcommand device for an embroidery machine, which device can control themovement of an embroidery frame based upon signals that are outputtedfrom a frame drive means when a frame movement command switch isoperated, the frame movement command switch includes a single operationportion that is operable to incline in a plurality of directions, andthe frame drive means outputs signals in order to move the embroideryframe in directions that correspond to the inclined directions of theoperation portion.

[0011] Thus, by inclining the single operation portion of the framemovement command switch in the plurality of positions, the embroideryframe can move in the directions that correspond to the inclineddirections. Therefore, depending only on the feeling of fingertipstouching the operation portion and without watching the frame movementcommand switch, the operator can accurately operate the switch tocorrespond to the direction that is intended for the movement of theembroidery frame. Therefore, the operator can move the embroidery framein the intended direction while observing areas adjacent to and below asewing head.

[0012] According to the invention of claim 2 as in claim 1, the framemovement command switch is disposed in an operation panel box of theembroidery machine, and a surface of the operating portion is set to beflush with or slightly concave relative to a front surface of theoperation panel box.

[0013] Therefore, the operation portion of the frame movement commandswitch may be positively prevented from being mistakenly operated.

[0014] The inventions of claims 3 and 4 relate to embodiments of theoperation portion of the frame movement command switch. According toclaim 3 as in claim 1, the operation portion is constituted by fixing anoperation disk onto a tip end of an operation rod that extends frominside of a switch body. According to claim 4 as in claim 3, arrowsindicative of the operating directions of the operation portion areprovided on a surface of the operation disk.

[0015] According to the invention of claim 5 as in claim 1, theoperation portion of the frame movement command switch can be operatedso as to be inclined in any direction from an original position.

[0016] Therefore, the embroidery frame can be moved in any intendeddirection by operating the operation portion.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 6 as in claim 1 or 5, theframe drive means outputs signals to increase and decrease the movingspeed of the embroidery frame in response to the inclination angle ofthe operation portion of the frame movement command switch relative tothe original position.

[0018] Therefore, the moving direction and the moving speed of theembroidery frame can be simultaneously controlled by inclining theoperation portion of the frame movement command switch, therebyimproving operability. In addition, a dedicated switch, which isprovided only for changing the moving speed of the embroidery frame, isno longer required.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 7 as in claim 1, the framemovement command switch is connected to the operation panel box of theembroidery machine via any one of a cord, radio waves or light, and theframe movement command switch is disposed within a portable switch case.

[0020] Therefore, the hindrance in location may be eliminated during thepositioning of the embroidery frame by operating the switch before theembroidering operation is started. For example, the operator may carrythe switch case and may move to a position adjacent the front side ofthe sewing head, so that the operator can operate the switch while he orshe is located in this position.

[0021] According to the invention of claim 8 as in claim 7, the switchcase includes a grip portion and is configured to permit fingertips toeasily touch the operation portion of the frame movement command switchwhile the operator holds the grip portion.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 9 as in claim 1, each of theoperation panel box and the portable switch case is provided with framemovement command switches.

[0023] In this case, the operator can selectively utilize the mostconvenient of either the frame movement command switch of the operationpanel box or the frame movement command switch of the switch case.

[0024] Additional features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent by reading the followingdescription with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embroidery machine (sewingmachine).

[0026]FIG. 2 is a structural view showing an operation panel box in anenlarged scale.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the operation panelbox in a further enlarged scale.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a controller ofthe embroidery machine including control of movement of an embroideryframe.

[0029]FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the operating directions ofa frame movement command switch provided on an operation panel box.

[0030]FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the moving directions of theembroidery frame caused by operating the switch shown in FIG. 5.

[0031]FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the operating directions ofthe frame movement command switch provided in a switch case.

[0032]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the moving directions of theembroidery frame caused by operating the switch shown in FIG. 7.

[0033]FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the internalstructure of the frame movement command switch disposed in the switchcase.

[0034]FIG. 10 is a front view of an operation panel box of a knownembroidery machine as an example.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0036]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embroidery machine (sewingmachine). A frame 14 is disposed so as to extend in the right and leftdirections over a table 12 of the embroidery machine 10 shown in thisfigure. A plurality of (four) multi-needle type sewing heads 16 ismounted on the frame 14 in a single horizontal row, and an operationpanel box 20 is mounted on the frame 14 at a right side portion of theembroidery machine 10. An embroidery frame 18 (whole cloth frame) isdisposed on the upper surface of the table 12 and is moved within aplane defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis under control based onembroidery data in a known manner.

[0037]FIG. 2 is a structural view showing the operation panel box 20 inan enlarged scale, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part ofthe operation panel box 20 in a further enlarged scale. A liquid crystalpanel 22 having a touch switch sheet, a frame movement command switch 30positioned on the lower right side of the liquid crystal panel 22, and aspeed change switch 24 positioned adjacent to the right side of theframe movement command switch 30 are mounted on the front surface of theoperation panel box 20. The frame movement command switch 30 is operableto control the movement of the embroidery frame 18. The speed changeswitch 24 is operable to alternatively change the moving speed of theembroidery frame 18 between “high speed” and “low speed,” as describedabove. In addition, in this embodiment, a frame movement command switch40 also is mounted within a portable switch case 50, which switch case50 is provided independently of the operation panel box 20 and iselectrically connected to the operation panel box 20 via a cord 54(FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0038]FIG. 4 is a block diagram that schematically shows a controller ofthe embroidery machine 10 including control of movement of theembroidery frame 18. The controller includes a ROM 60, a RAM 62, a CPU64, a bus 66 and an input/output interface 68. The CPU 64 controls theentire controller according a program that is stored in the ROM 60. TheRAM 62 stores various kinds of data that are necessary for theembroidering operation.

[0039] When either frame movement command switch 30 or 40 is operated,corresponding signals are inputted as data via the operation panel box20 and the input/output interface 68, and control signals are outputtedto a frame drive means 70.

[0040] Of the frame movement command switches 30 and 40, the framemovement command switch 30 that is disposed on the front surface of theoperation panel box 20 will be first described. The frame movementcommand switch 30 is a switch known as a “joy stick type switch” and isoperable to incline a single operation portion 34 in a plurality ofdirections relative to a switch body 32. The operation portion 34 isconstituted by securing a rear central portion of a single operationdisk 34 a to a tip end of a single operation rod 34 b that extends fromthe inside of the switch body 32. A total of four triangular arrows 35are provided on the front surface of the operation disk 34 a and areoriented toward the upward, downward, rightward and leftward directions,respectively, which are indicative of the switch operating directions.

[0041] Eight contacts (switches) are disposed within the switch body 32at 45° intervals around the axis of the operation rod 34 b. Therefore,the eight contacts may be turned ON and OFF by inclining the operationportion 34 toward a total of eight directions, which includes the fourdirections indicated by the arrows 35 of the operation disk 34 a andtheir intermediate directions. Consequently, the frame drive means 70may output signals in order to move the embroidery frame in directionscorresponding to the respective operating directions of the operationmember 34.

[0042] Incidentally, the operation member 34 is operable to be pushedinto the switch body 32 along the axis of the operation rod 34 b;further, a ninth switch, which is different from the above-describedeight contacts, may be turned ON when the operation member 34 is pushedinward. When this switch is turned ON, the moving speed of theembroidery frame 18 may be changed to a low speed.

[0043] For example, a switch distributed by Alps Electric, Co. Ltd.Under the brand name “Multi-direction Switch” (Model No. JXS0000-0301)may be used as the frame movement command switch 30.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the switch body 32 of the frame movementcommand switch 30 is disposed within the operation panel box 20. Theoperation disk 34 a is positioned in a recess 26 that is defined withinthe front surface of the operation panel box 20. The tip end of theoperation rod 34 b extends through the central portion of the recess 26and is fixed to the operation disk 34 a as explained above. The surfaceof the operation disk 34 a is set to be flush with or slightly recessedfrom the front surface of the operation panel box 20, so that theoperation disk 34 a may be prevented from being mistakenly operated.

[0045]FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the operating directions ofthe operation portion 34 of the frame movement command switch 34; FIG. 6is an explanatory view showing the moving directions of the embroideryframe 18. As described above, when the switching operation is performedin the directions indicated by arrows a, c, e and g in FIG. 5 bypressing the areas of the respective triangular arrows 35 of theoperation disk 34 a, the embroidery frame 18 may be controlled to movein the directions (X-Y directions) indicated by arrows a, c, e and gshown in FIG. 6 within an X-Y plane. In addition, when the switchingoperation is performed in the directions indicated by arrows b, d, f andh in FIG. 5 by pressing the intermediate areas of the respectivetriangular arrows 35 of the operation disk 34 a, the embroidery frame 18may be controlled to move in the directions (X-Y composite directions)indicated by arrows b, d, f and h shown in FIG. 6.

[0046] The frame movement command switch 40 disposed within the switchcase 50 will now be described. The frame movement command switch 40 isdifferent in type from the frame movement command switch 30 and isconfigured such that a single operation portion 44 can be inclined inany direction relative to a switch body 42 shown in FIG. 2. Theoperation portion 44 is constructed by fixing a rear central portion ofan operation disk 44 a, which operation disk 44 a has a surfaceconfiguration that can be suitably touched by a ball of a fingertip(e.g., a fingertip of the thumb), to a tip end of a single operation rod44 b that extends from within the switch body 42.

[0047]FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the internalstructure of the switch body 42. As shown in this figure, the operationrod 44 b of the operation member 44 is supported on the shaft 46 at theintersection of two shafts 45 and 46 that have intersecting axes. Oneshaft 45 is supported to freely rotate relative to the switch body 42,and the other shaft 46 is supported to freely rotate relative to theshaft 45. Therefore, the operation rod 44 b is operable to be inclinedin any direction and by any angle. In addition, as the operation rod 44b is operated to rotate about the axis of the shaft 46, an associatedrotary member 48 rotates about the axis of the shaft 46 in conjunctionwith the rotation of the shaft 46. The associated rotary member 48 isconfigured not to interfere with the movement of the operation rod 44 bwhen the operation rod 44 b is operated to rotate about the axis of theshaft 45.

[0048] One end of the shaft 45 is connected to the center of rotation ofa rotary variable resistor 47, and one end of the associated rotarymember 48 is connected to the center of rotation of another rotaryvariable resistor 49. Each of the variable resistors 47 and 49 receivesa predetermined supply of current and may rotate in response to theinclination of the operation rod 44 b so as to output a voltage thatcorresponds to the inclination angle.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the switch body 42 is disposed within theswitch case 50. The operation disk 44 a is fixed to the tip end of theoperation rod 44 b in a recess 51 that is defined within the uppersurface of the switch case 50. The switch case 50 is configured suchthat a ball of a fingertip can easily touch the operation disk 44 a whena grip portion 52 of the switch case 50 is held. Therefore, theoperation rod 44 b can be inclined in any direction by moving theoperation disk 44 a in various directions while the ball of thefingertip touches the operation disk 44 a. Based upon the voltage signalthat is outputted from one or both of the variable resistors 47 and 49in response to the operating direction, the frame drive means 70 outputssignals for moving the embroidery frame 18 in the directioncorresponding to the operating direction of the operation rod 44 b.

[0050] Further, the frame movement command switch 40 is configured toutilize the change in output voltage value from the variable resistors47 and 49 in response to the inclination angle of the operation rod 44b, so that the frame drive means 70 will output signals for increasingor decreasing the moving speed of the embroidery frame 18. Thus, themoving speed increases as the inclination angle of the operation rod 44b increases. Therefore, the speed change switch 24 of the operationpanel box 20 is no longer necessary to be used when the frame movementcommand switch 40 is used.

[0051] For example, products distributed by Alps Electric, Co. Ltd.under the brand name “Stick Controller” (Model No. RKJXK1225) may beused as the frame movement command switch 40.

[0052]FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the operating directions ofthe operating portion 44 of the frame movement command switch 40; FIG. 8is an explanatory view showing the moving directions of the embroideryframe 18. In addition to the directions of arrows a, b, c and d shown inFIG. 7, which directions correspond to the X-Y moving directions of theembroidery frame 18, the operation disk 44 a of the frame movementcommand switch 40 can be moved in any other direction. For example, whenthe operation disk 44 a is operated in the direction of arrow e in FIG.7, the embroidery frame 18 may be controlled to move in the direction ofarrow e in FIG. 8.

[0053] In order to control movement of the embroidery frame 18, it issufficient to use only the frame movement command switch 40 of theswitch case 50; the frame movement command switch 30 of the operationpanel box 20 may be used as an auxiliary switch. Therefore, the operatorcan hold the switch case 50 with his/her hand and can operate the switchwhile he or she is located in a position that is optimal for controllingthe movement of the embroidery frame 18; thus, the embroidery frame 18can be controlled to move in a desired direction at a desired speed.

[0054] In addition, by using either frame movement command switch 30 and40, the switching operation can be accurately performed depending onlyon the feeling by the fingertip that touches the respective operationdisk 34 a or 44 a without looking at the operation disks 34 a or 44 a.Furthermore, a troublesome operation for selecting and pushing keyswitches every time that the moving direction of the embroidery frame 18is changed can be eliminated.

[0055] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed with reference to the drawings, it should be understood thatthis embodiment can be changed or modified without departing from thespirit of the invention defined in the attached claims.

[0056] For example, although different types of switches wererespectively used for the frame movement command switches 30 and 40,only one of the switch types can be commonly used for these switches. Inaddition, the operation portions 34 and 44 of the frame movement commandswitches 30 and 40, respectively, may be replaced with switches of arolling operation type, e.g., a track ball type.

[0057] With regard to the frame movement command switch 40 of the switchcase 50, this switch 40 may be configured as a wireless type switch thatutilizes radio waves or light instead of the cord 54. In addition, itmay be convenient if the switch case 50 is configured such that theswitch case 50 is stored in a suspended state on a lateral surface or abottom surface of the operation panel box 20.

1. A frame movement command device for an embroidery machine, whichdevice can control the movement of an embroidery frame based uponsignals that are outputted from a frame drive means when a framemovement command switch is operated, wherein the frame movement commandswitch includes a single operation portion that is operable to inclinein a plurality of directions, and wherein the frame drive means outputssignals in order to move the embroidery frame in directions thatcorrespond to the inclined directions of the operation portion.
 2. Aframe movement command device for an embroidery machine as in claim 1,wherein the frame movement command switch is disposed within anoperation panel box of the embroidery machine, and a surface of theoperating portion is set to be flush with or slightly concave relativeto a front surface of the operation panel box.
 3. A frame movementcommand device for an embroidery machine as in claim 1, wherein theoperation portion of the frame movement command switch is constituted byfixing an operation disk onto a tip end of an operation rod that extendsfrom within a switch body.
 4. A frame movement command device for anembroidery machine as in claim 3, wherein arrows indicative of theoperating directions of the operation portion are provided on a surfaceof the operation disk.
 5. A frame movement command device for anembroidery machine as in claim 1, wherein the operation member of theframe movement command switch can be operated so as to be inclined inany direction from an original position.
 6. A frame movement commanddevice for an embroidery machine as in either of claim 1 or 5, whereinthe frame drive means outputs signals for increasing and decreasing themoving speed of the embroidery frame in response to the inclinationangle of the operation portion of the frame movement command switchrelative to the original position.
 7. A frame movement command devicefor an embroidery machine as in claim 1, wherein the frame movementcommand switch is connected to the operation panel box of the embroiderymachine via any one of a cord, radio waves or light, and the framemovement command switch is disposed within a portable switch case.
 8. Aframe movement command device for an embroidery machine as in claim 7,wherein the switch case includes a grip portion and is configured topermit fingertips to easily touch the operation portion of the framemovement command switch while the operator holds the grip portion.
 9. Aframe movement command device for an embroidery machine as in claim 1,wherein each of the operation panel box and the portable switch case isprovided with frame movement command switches.